At least the time difference helped to reduce the impact – due to the late kick-off here – but the Aviva Premiership’s American venture still capped a day of PR calamities for the sport.
Officially, the attendance for Newcastle v Saracens in Philadelphia was 6,271. That figure appeared to be somewhat generous, as what passed for a crowd watched the European champions, armed with several Lions, overcome the Falcons on an occasion which fell horribly flat.
Yet, rugby’s embarrassment on Saturday was spread over three continents. Frankly, the game was made to look foolish, largely due to its desperate scramble for elusive revenue. After Australia v Argentina in Canberra drew fewer than 15,000 spectators, the first fixture in South Africa for the newly-expanded Pro14 League saw Leinster beat the Southern Kings in front of empty stands.
Empty seats everywhere at Talen Energy Stadium as just 6,271 watched Newcastle v Swansea
With some big names on show it was supposed to be a huge occasion but feel horrribly flat
Social media was soon awash with images which served as a damning illustration of local apathy. Once again, the official attendance – 3,011 – was abysmal, but decidedly flattering.
Rugby’s scramble to open up new ‘markets’ is an unseemly mess. Instead of a long-term strategy, officials are trying to cut corners and leaving themselves open to ridicule. The global hunt for dollars and broadcasting exposure is most intense in the USA, but the Philadelphia farce showed how Premiership Rugby are trying to build a skyscraper on sand.
It is all so premature. If the surge in grass-roots participation in America is as pronounced as World Rugby claim, then there should be a concerted drive to establish a viable professional league, with the odd marquee Test to galvanise interest. In due course, once there are firm foundations, there could be scope for English or Pro14 forays. For now, it feels like a forced mission.
Australia played Argentina in Canberra on Saturday which drew less than 15,000 spectators
Instead of seeking to develop in countries where the game is already widely played and cherished, the powers-that-be are only interested in markets and brands. That is why America and Japan have been special targets for years, even though the latter nation have just been warned that their preparations for the next World Cup are off-track. Imagine the damage if rugby’s showpiece competition is blighted by poor crowds.
The Premiership’s expansion into new territory is not – as is often claimed – an affront to loyal club supporters, providing season-ticket prices are adjusted accordingly, but it can’t take many more PR setbacks. No sponsor likes being associated with any ‘brand’ which involves rattling around a deserted venue.
Mark McCafferty, the PRL chief executive who seems intent on squeezing the life out of Lions tours, tried to top-spin his way out of a hole on Saturday night, saying: ‘We know the size of the task, it is a big one. We have to find another 8-10,000 people who will follow rugby in the next 12 months. But that isn’t the difference between whether you have a viable or sustainable strategy in the U.S. There are games in England where I would like more attendance as well.’
Mark McCafferty remains optimistic about the Premiership’s American venture despite poor start which was made worse after players discuss striking to combat an extended season
That need to build a broader base at home should remain the main objective, but PRL have agreed to stage one game per year in the States – mostly likely in Philadelphia – for four years.
McCafferty insisted that various clubs want to be considered for future matches there, adding: ‘They are beginning to see the value to them as brands. Over the next few years, our US TV numbers could exceed English ones. It is a big corporate market where everybody is embracing rugby more.
However, he added: ‘All sports have found that you’ve got to build from the grass-roots up.’ That process has not yet happened. This messy search for quick bucks could do more harm than good.
It has not been the best week for Premiership boss Mark McCafferty, with the Philadelphia debacle coming amid talk of a player rebellion. Joe Marler has joined Billy Vunipola in saying he would strike to combat the extension of the season. Now they have added clout to the protest threatened by the players’ union, the mood is sure to escalate rapidly. Good. The calendar-grab is an affront to talk of player welfare — a subject of endless words but little action. A strike may be needed to show a limit has been reached.
Elis Genge was rampaging around Welford Road in Leicester’s win over Gloucester. One carry involved a hand-off on Lewis Ludlow which sent the flanker off his feet and on to his back. If Genge had been the defender, he may have been sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, but he was being tackled. Well, that was what Ludlow had intended, before he was left flat out, wondering what had hit him.
Ellis Genge was rampaging around Welford Road in Leicester’s win over Gloucester
Weep of the week
Springbok Tendai Mtawarira had tears streaming down his cheeks during the anthems. Sadly for ‘the Beast’, there was more reason to cry later, after the record 57-0 loss to New Zealand.
Deluded soundbite of the week
‘I’m pleased with a couple of defensive efforts and a lot of positives we can still take out of this game,’ said Springboks coach Allister Coetzee, after his side’s surrender.
Pass of the week
Beauden Barrett’s no-look, behind-the-back flip to Nehe Milner-Skudder for New Zealand’s second try was an act of brilliance.
Try of the week
Clermont’S Fijian wing Alivereti Raka received the ball 12 metres inside his own half before slaloming through eight Brive defenders on a mesmerising run to the posts in France’s Top 14.
The last word
There was plenty for Eddie Jones to savour at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night. The England head coach may have clarified some of his autumn series plans based on what he saw as Northampton beat Bath.
Courtney Lawes is in the form of his life and must start — potentially at blindside flanker, where he has been excelling for the Saints. For Bath, Sam Underhill also demonstrated that he is a defensive phenomenon already, at the age of just 21.
Courtney Lawes is in the form of his life and should be a shoo-in to start for England
He and Sale’s Curry brothers can be back-row assets to the national team for the next decade. Luther Burrell is approaching his 30th birthday, but the Northampton centre appears revitalised and on the evidence of the last fortnight, he deserves another shot with England.
Manu Tuilagi is injured again and Owen Farrell may be rested during the November international window, so the timing of Burrell’s purple patch is ideal.